By David Moore

Kudzu.com

With the leaves changing color and covering the ground it's time to start planning the future of your lawn for winter and next spring.

The Final Mow

It is a ritual most homeowners are happy to take a break from: mowing the lawn. When winding down towards the final mow of the season, gradually lower the cutting level on the mower to rid the lawn of any new growth.

Depending on the variety of grass planted in your yard, cold weather will dry it out quickly, probably leaving your yard brown or beige throughout the winter.

Consult your local extension agent if you are unsure how close to crop the grass. Or if you simply do not have the energy for all the details, consider hiring a professional yard contractor for a seasonal closeout.

Plants for Fall, Winter

Although new plant growth is generally associated with spring and summer, there are some attractive flowers and foliage that can spruce up the yard during the cold season. Consider asters, a flower which comes in a variety of types and colors. Holly is an attractive evergreen that can grow quickly from plant size to a large bush. It adds a dash of color to the yard with stunning red berries. Ornamental kale and cabbage have become increasingly popular for planting in fall and winter.

Aerating and Fertilizing

Aerating a lawn prior to the first freeze and an overall fertilization is paramount. Although a lawn will not utilize the fertilizer right away, it will store the nutrients for growth come spring.